Wishing for Summer.

This morning it was a whole 7 degrees outside. I got up and started the car and drove my son down the block to the bus stop. I remember freezing mornings in Vermont, waiting for the bus, and getting on the bus just about frost bitten. So each morning I get up and sit in the warm car with my son until the bus comes. I don't like thinking of him standing in the cold and dark each morning. I liked the previous winters where we barely had snow. This winter seems to have a different idea. The other night I had to remind myself that I'm from Vermont, as I drove home at 10:30 in a snow storm. I was amazed by the amount of people who came out shopping.

The big sale hadn't even started. So I hope you enjoy a few summer photo's. Ah the ocean. I can't wait to go and stick my feet in the warm sand. Have a slice of pizza and watch the children and my husband swim. I'll of course at some point get up and find sea shells. When we go to the beach we feel like time stops. Wouldn't that be nice.

Well the song I found for you today is

"Lead Me."

I hope you like it. I need some strength today. I had thought that because I was still working that I'd been kept on after the holidays. Last night

when I went in to get shoes for my son, I found out from one of the people I started with that they are still deciding who they are keeping. I hope they will tell me soon. I know I'm getting my 90 day review today. Can't believe I've worked there for 3 months. It seems like so much longer. The Library job seems so far away.

So last night I did what my husband has done for the past five months. I tried to sleep and woke up every hour after having horrible dreams. Ugh. It has been nice to just be home alone in the quiet. I have calmed down and feel more positive than before. I would like some consistency in my life. I'd like to know that I have a good job and that my husband has a good job. This just isn't something that is going to happen yet. The good news is my husband gets to go to training 3 days next week. That's three days of 8 hours of pay.

Moments of Joy: Waiting for the bus with my son, listening to the Christian radio station, reading my scriptures every day, listening to U-tube Christian music videos. Reading new magazines.

11 days without doing the plastic swipe!

As I head down the road to a new year, I'm happy to say that I've made it 11 days without swiping the plastic credit cards. Although I will admit that on Thursday I will be using one card. The reason though is that I'm going to get a 45% off discount for using it. And I'm going to pay the bill the next week. No interest this year is also a big goal. One girl I work with said it the best, " If you don't have the money on hand then you shouldn't buy it, because you really can't afford it." My son though needs new shoes, and some new shirts and I have the money, just would like the big discount.


Here is an interesting bug that I got a picture of two years ago. It is a Luna Moth. A really interesting bug to look at. I don't know much about them. I'll have to go read up on them.

Here is a good song if you are going through a tough time. "Before the Morning."
Another Song that I found that I like is "Praise You through the storm." I need to share these with my husband. He is really stressed out having to move back to the Toyota dealership. I keep telling him to just relax. I hope things go well for him today. It used to be that I was up in the middle of the night with little babies to take care of. Now it is an anxiety filled husband. I keep saying, you have a job, you are learning, this will work out for your good in the end. I think that's why I like the two songs I've shared with you today.
Moments of Joy: Reading the scriptures in my car when I'm either way to early for work or warming up the car. Meeting new people. Having time to myself.
Thankful for: My house, cars, good health. The Gospel.
Garden thought: Birds are a big part of gardening. When you have the right flowers you get some beautiful birds. I'm going to work on having more bird and bee friendly flowers this year. I love seeing all the wild life. One of my favorite birds is the Grackle. Even though most people dislike this bird, I think it is pretty and that they have a very interesting habit of puffing themselves up to attract a mate.

Day 7 Snow and staying in keep the credit card jitters away.

We got some snow today. I like to stay in when it snows. People around where I live just don't know how to drive. So this morning I got a lot of cleaning done. I've realized that I really like my schedule at work. I have the whole day to myself, and then do about 5 to 6 hours of work at night. I feel like my house is finally getting clean since the crazy holiday schedules have ended. It's nice to just feel like things are coming together. I went out and took some photo's of the trees covered in snow. I think it looks so pretty. I did have to leave the house to help clean our church. I choose to go this afternoon as I really don't want to have to get up early on Saturday. I have to

work most of the day so it was just better for me. It was nice to just go in by myself and get some of the cleaning done.

So I figure with the snow I've kept from going to stores which has kept me from having to resist the urge to use the credit cards.

Here is a song that I used to love "Give Me Revelation." Often times I feel that I would just like God to tell me what it is he wants me to do. Then I would do it. But often times I feel like I'm not sure at all about what I'm supposed to be doing.

In that same thought have you ever had a dream come true? I've had quiet a few in my life

some pretty silly. The first was a dream that the girls scout cookies were going to be delivered( this was when I was young and a girls scout.) The next day there they were. Then I had a dream that I would be working on a horse farm and the next day I got a call asking me to work for a horse farm.(this was when I was a teen) A few years ago the summer before my son was in 4th grade I dreamed he would be in a class with someone he didn't get along with and that he would have a hard year. It was his worst school year. I remember sending him to school and then being sick half the day worrying about him. He got so bullied in grade school. I'm glad he is doing so much better.

Well last night I had a dream that the job my husband has will go well and he will make the money we need. I'm not sure if it is just me dwelling on the subject or if it will really happen. Of course along with dreams that come true I have a lot of dreams that are just plain weird. Along with the job will go well dream, was one with me eating a piece of paper, and then wondering why am I doing this and trying to get it back out of my mouth. Usually the weird dreams have to do with chewing gum that taste bad and I just can't get it out of my mouth. Ugh. I wonder what it all means. Do you have a weird dream to share? So is Christmas over? For most it is, but today our neighbor brought us this very pretty Santa gift. It is filled with lots of junk food. I'm sure the kids will like it. As much as I try to get the junk food out of my house, it seems to appear as fast as I can remove it.

Moments of Joy: Making a big homemade meal last night and having time to sit and eat with my family. Sitting and chatting with my husband. Slowly getting more time to myself and getting my house cleaner. I'm a neat freak and love to organize things.

About my husband he starts back at Toyota on Monday. He has to move his tools and box today and tomorrow morning. Ugh! He no longer has Saturdays off. His new day off is Tuesdays. I hope we have some good couple bubble time. He is back to being scared and full of anxiety. Well with Tuesdays off if things don't work out he can look for a new job. We don't need to make huge amounts of money. Poor him he barely slept last night. I hope that the transition works. At least he will get paid now to take Toyota on-line training courses. He finished all the KIA ones, so he is now a certified KIA tech. I believe God is working on something good for us. We just need to be patient, and not complain and endure. That's a lot to ask of us. So pray we have the strength.

Day 6 And we are still dancing in the minefields at our house.

It is spring and soon to be summer in the stores. Last night as I was leaving I noticed they have bathing suits out. Yes you read right, bathing suits. They also have all the valentines day items. So I decided I would put my Valentines day wreath up. I think it is very cheery. If we don't get any more snow I'll be very happy.
Well all the credit cards are paid off. My next move is to pay off my sons orthodontist bill, and then pay down as much as possible on the credit line this year.
One thing I noticed is that with credit cards, any interest you pay is just lost. At least with the equity line I can deduct the interest on my taxes.


I did find in an article that the use of credit has been around since old testament times. In biblical times, interest was called usury, which in today's language suggest exorbitant interest rates.
A few more quotes about staying out of debt:
" We should not heed to current cries...[that] tempt us to compete for ownership in the things of this world... Often these items are purchased with borrowed money, without giving any thought to providing for our future needs.." Elder L. Tom Perry.
" Independence means... being free of personal debt and of the interest and carrying charges required by debt the world over." President James E. Faust.
Isn't my kitty cat pretty. Laying in the sun all nice and warm.
Uplifting song: El Shaddi by Amy Grant
Garden Quote: Of the strawberry: Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did. Dr. William Butler (c. 1536-1617)
Random act of kindness: The center of human nature is rooted in ten thousand ordinary acts of kindness that define our day. Stephen Jay Gould.
Moment of Joy: Having the day off. Having salty McDonald's french fries. Listening to uplifting music. Reading scriptures in my car while it warms up.
So on one last note, pray for my husband as change is coming again to his world. He was just getting used to working at the Kia dealership, and is now being moved back up to the Toyota dealership. He will actually be working on both types of cars, going between both dealerships. He asked to be made salary during the transition. I hope that will happen. I told him we are still dancing in the minefield, still rowing in the storm. I just hope we get out for awhile soon. I just take it one day at a time. I know the Lord has some grand plan for us, I will trust him.
Do you have a good keep out of debt tip? Or any moment of Joy to share?

Day 5 Covering the cards!

So on day five I have covered my 3 credit cards with sticky notes that say " DO NOT USE!", "For Emergency use ONLY!" I'm hoping the pure fact that if I want to use them I would need to take the tape off them will deter me from using them. Now some people I know just cut them up, and others put theirs in the freezer. But I often feel, I might need one if my car breaks down. I don't carry much cash on me so I would need one if I need to get my car towed.


My next step is to pay each of them off. Actually I have paid one off already. I just received the bill for the other two and within the next couple of days they will be paid off. My husband does



have one card and has promised me to only use it to buy gas for his car. I'm hoping to figure out how much he is using each month and then have cash on hand for him so that we can get out of the habit of "Swiping the Plastic." It has just become too easy.


As I have been pondering credit cards and debt I have looked to my Churches website :lds.Org. I searched "Credit Cards" and have come up with lots of magazine articles about keeping out of debt. I hope to share an article with you often.


Here is the first " Understanding Interest on Debt" by Scott Nash. (Just click the link to read)


Here are some good Quotes from the Church




leaders: " President Heber J. Grant: "If there is any one thing that will bring peace and contentment into the human heart, and into the family, it is to live within our means. And if there is any one thing that is grinding and discouraging and disheartening, it is to have debts and obligations that one cannot meet."


President J. Reuben Clark Jr.: " Interest never sleeps, nor sickens, nor dies;... Once in debt, interest is your companion every minute of the day and night; you cannot shun it or slip away from it; you cannot dismiss it; it yields neither to entreaties, demands, or orders; and whenever you get in its way or cross its course or fail to meet its demands, it crushes you!"



The Photo of the socks are my favorite socks to wear after work. They are Kohl's Thermal Therapeutic Socks. They are so soft, cushy, and warm. After standing on my feet for 5 or more hours I can't wait to get home and put them on. I bought a pair for every day of the week. This pair I actually gave to a friend. They are pretty inexpensive and worth every penny in my book.


This is a photo of my cat helping do Christmas cards. Her idea of helping is sitting on the card I'm trying to write. She knocked most of my stuff onto the floor. She was following me all over the house today as I cleaned. It is nice to have her companionship. As I work more I am more grateful for the days I get to spend home cleaning and working on "Me" stuff.





Here is the path that we often walk when we go to the park. I feel I'm walking down a new path this year. I'm not sure where it will lead me I can only hope it leads to a better way of life, and a stronger testimony of the Savior.





After listening to the song " Dancing in the Minefields" I had to share it with my husband. He loved it. We found that we like other songs by the same artist. The musician is Andrew Peterson. Here is another " The Good Confession."

Hope you enjoy listening.

Garden Quote: Be like the sun and meadow, which are not in the least concerned about the coming of winter. By George Bernard Shaw.

Random Acts of Kindness quote: When I was young, I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people. By Abraham Herschel.

Moments of Joy: Having a quiet morning at home to clean and organize. (Christmas is almost gone in my house.) Playing with my cat as she followed me around. Going to the Library and looking at books.

Any tips on not using credit cards would be appreciated.

I've made it 4 days without credit cards!

Well I've gone 4 days without credit cards so far. Mostly the temptation to spend has been blocked because I have been working too much. When I'm done working all I want to do is rest or clean my poor neglected house. Tomorrow I hope to start my first real credit card detractor. That is to put stickers on my cards that say "Do Not use me!" And " Only Use encase of an emergency." I'm not going to cut them up or freeze them in the freezer. I want to really test my will power.

I didn't do to well on the buy nothing but necessities though. As I bought a few magazines and a book today. But mind you I did use cash. So I need to work on that.

I've heard two good songs that you should listen to.

Dancing in the Minefield. Anyone who is married will love this song! I love the old couples dancing in the video.

Give me Jesus.

Both have some great inspiration. The one book I bought was also for inspiration. The book is called "Random Acts of Kindness. Here is a good quote from it: " One kind word can warm three winter months. " Japanese Proverb.

I also got a gardening magazine, and a cooking magazine.

Here is a garden quote: " We may think that we are tending our garden, but of course, in many different ways, it is the garden and the plants that are nurturing us." By Jenny Uglow.

Moments of Joy: A day off, time to sleep in. Getting my house cleaned up, and cooking a nice large roast chicken dinner.

Happy New Year! Welcome to G.G.'s Life Without Credit Cards Day 1.

Welcome New Year. My goal this year is to live without credit cards. Here is a picture of me (Garden Girl aka. G.G.) with the little frog I bought a Kohl's yesterday. I'm thinking of naming him Ebenezer. I bought this Simply Vera shirt that I've been eyeing for awhile because it looks like something a gardening type person would like to wear. The belt also has flowers on it. So decked out in my garden clothing I went out and took some photo's of Mr. Ebenezer frog in the winter garden. To my surprise I found life out there in the garden. My cat nip plant was still alive, and some small weeds were also thriving despite the recent blizzard. It was very nice to see green.

One thing I love to do is read magazines. I can't get enough time in my Papazan reading magazines. Here is a photo of me with one of my favorites. Better Homes and Gardens. One of my most recent magazines gave a great tip.

Have January be a "buy nothing month." (You only buy necessities in January.) That is why yesterday I had to get up early and beat the crowds at Kohl's and get my few last of the year purchases. Of course I had some Kohl's cash that I needed to spend. I got a $49.00 Crock -Pot for $9.00. What a deal. If I had just stopped at that life would have been good. But I had my daughter with me and we bought the frog, and some shirts. Oh well, had to get that last moment of

spending out of me. Now I'm prepared to go Credit card free. (Or so I think)

So on day one of living without credit cards, I've looked up "Who invented Credit Cards?" It is very interesting to know that Credit cards or the ability to buy on credit has been around a long time. They haven't always been in the shape of a card, and they haven't always been plastic.

The use of credit cards in America began in the 1920's, but references to credit cards have been made as far back as 1890 in Europe. I think we might find it even father back we will see.

What is interesting about credit is that it is a method of selling goods or services without the buyer having cash on hand. And guess what? That gets some people in a whole lot of trouble. So my goal is to only buy if I have the cash on hand. What I think is most important is that you need to think about each purchase and be prepared by knowing how much you have to spend and what you are spending on. I'm hoping I have the will power to do this. As I progress forward in this I will be looking for other bloggers who are doing the same thing for tips. When I find them I'll give you the links.

Garden tip: The best predators of slugs in your garden are frogs and toads. Unfortunately you need a pond in your garden to get these little animals to live around your garden. I don't think my husband will be building me a pond too soon.
Moments of Joy: Not working until Midnight any more. It's so nice to get home before 11pm. Spending a lazy morning with my kids. Reading a good magazine. Walking around my garden and seeing some green and growing plants. I can't wait for spring.